The challenge of managing continence care in residential aged care settings : recommendations for research and practice

Incontinence-related problems are a major reason for placement in residential aged care facilities. Data from the Residential Classification Scale indicates that 86% of people in residential aged care facilities in Australia are dependent on others for bladder management, 77% require some support with bowel management and 78% require some support with toileting. In this paper, we present an overview of the literature on the issues that need to be considered for the management of incontinence in residential aged care settings. Based on this literature, we make recommendations for research and practice. Although residential care facilities are mandated to provide continence care, there is little research evidence on which to base care or to evaluate the effectiveness of current practices. Further research is required to address this gap in information to ensure delivery of residential aged care that meets the requirements of the Aged Care Act 1997. (author abstract)